[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 225 (Friday, November 20, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 74488-74489]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-25681]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration
[Docket Number FRA-2020-0087]
Petition for Waiver of Compliance
Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this
provides the public notice that on November 5, 2020, Illinois Central
Railroad Company, for itself and on behalf of the U.S. railroad
subsidiaries operating under the Canadian National Railway Company
(CN), petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver
of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety
regulations contained at 49 CFR part 232, Brake System Safety Standards
for Freight and Other Non-Passenger Trains and Equipment; End-of-Train
Devices. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA-2020-0087.
Specifically, CN proposes to use software technology to implement a
virtual three-dimensional simulation as an alternative to satisfy the
``hands-on'' portion of periodic refresher training required by 49 CFR
232.203(b)(8). Refresher training is required at intervals not to
exceed 3 years, and must consist of classroom and hands-on training, as
well as testing. CN states the training will better equip CN employees
to perform Class I freight air brake tests and there will be no impact
on safety.
The instructor-led simulation is based on performance of a Class I
freight air brake test and is designed to place the user in a virtual
realistic scenario. The user is required to perform a variety of
inspection tasks relating to preprogrammed defects including, but not
limited to, closed cut-out cocks, uncoupled air hoses, closed angle
cocks, improperly positioned retainer valves, fouled brake rigging, and
using a two-way end-of-train device. CN states that it is often
difficult to stage various types of freight air brake equipment with
defects to demonstrate the location of key components. CN also states
that the simulation allows CN to control the environment and employees
are better able to examine components of the air brake system.
Furthermore, given the restrictions of person-to-person contact related
to COVID-19, safety is further enhanced by utilizing the simulation. CN
proposes to apply this waiver system-wide to all CN personnel
responsible for performing Class I freight air brakes tests. CN
explains it may use the simulation as a supplement at initial training,
but it will not replace traditional hands-on training employees receive
at initial training.
A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications
concerning the petition, is available for review online at
www.regulations.gov.
Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings
by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate
scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since
the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested parties
desire an opportunity for oral comment and a public hearing, they
should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and
specify the basis for their request.
All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the
appropriate docket number and may be submitted by any of the following
methods:
Website: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, W12-140, Washington, DC
20590.
Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Room W12-140,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
[[Page 74489]]
Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
Communications received by January 4, 2021 will be considered by
FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date
will be considered if practicable.
Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications
and comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the
individual submitting the comment (or signing the document, if
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
Under 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better
inform its processes. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including
any personal information the commenter provides, to
www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/
ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/privacyNotice for the
privacy notice of regulations.gov.
Issued in Washington, DC.
John Karl Alexy,
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020-25681 Filed 11-19-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P